A's Yoenis Cespedes, (52) singles in the ninth inning, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics went on to beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Yoenis Cespedes, (52) singles in the ninth inning, on Saturday...

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The A's Stephen Vogt gets a Gatorade chaser after the traditional pie in the face his game-winning hit beat the Tigers.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

The A's Stephen Vogt gets a Gatorade chaser after the traditional...

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Stephen Vogt is mobbed by teammates after he hit the game-winning hit to score Yoenis Cespedes in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Vogt is mobbed by teammates after he hit the game-winning...

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A's catcher Stephen Vogt, (21) jumps into the arms of Josh Reddick, (16) in celebration with a walk off win with the bases loaded on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 n game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Stephen Vogt is mobbed by teammates after he hit the game-winning hit to score Yoenis Cespedes in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Vogt is mobbed by teammates after he hit the game-winning...

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A's catcher Stephen Vogt, (21) jumps into the arms of Josh Reddick, (16) in celebration with a walk off win with the bases loaded on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 n game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Teammates sarm A's catcher Stephen Vogt, (21) after his walk off win with the bases loaded on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 n game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Teammates sarm A's catcher Stephen Vogt, (21) after his walk off...

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Eric Sogard tags out Jose Iglesias as he tried to steal on a strike out in the fifth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Eric Sogard tags out Jose Iglesias as he tried to steal on a strike...

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Jed Lowrie hugs Stephen Vogt after Vogt hit the game-winning hit to score Yoenis Cespedes in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Stephen Vogt reacts after he hit the game-winning hit to score Yoenis Cespedes in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Vogt reacts after he hit the game-winning hit to score...

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Josh Reddick hugs Stephen Vogt after Vogt hit the game-winning hit to score Yoenis Cespedes in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Josh Reddick hugs Stephen Vogt after Vogt hit the game-winning hit...

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Seth Smith talks about a called strike with CB Bucknor. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Seth Smith talks about a called strike with CB Bucknor. The...

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Stephen Vogt reacts after he hit the game-winning hit to score Yoenis Cespedes in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Vogt reacts after he hit the game-winning hit to score...

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Coco Crisp tosses his bat after striking out in the fourth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Coco Crisp tosses his bat after striking out in the fourth inning....

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Fans try for autographs before the start, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics prepare to take on the Detroit Tigers in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Fans try for autographs before the start, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013,...

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The Oakland Athletics players listen to the national anthem before the start of game 2. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

The Oakland Athletics players listen to the national anthem before...

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A's fan known as "Coliseum Sewage" makes the rounds through the stands before the start, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics prepare take on the Detroit Tigers in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's fan known as "Coliseum Sewage" makes the rounds through the...

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A's Josh Donaldson, (20) signs autographs before the game, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics prepare take on the Detroit Tigers in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Josh Donaldson, (20) signs autographs before the game, on...

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A's Yoenis Cespedes, (52) takes practice before the start of the game,on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics prepare to take on the Detroit Tigers in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Yoenis Cespedes, (52) takes practice before the start of the...

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Stephen Vogt is mobbed by teammates after he hit the game-winning hit to score Yoenis Cespedes in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Vogt is mobbed by teammates after he hit the game-winning...

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Stephen Vogt hits the game-winning single to score Yoenis Cespedes in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Vogt hits the game-winning single to score Yoenis Cespedes...

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Jed Lowrie runs to hug Stephen Vogt after Vogt hit the game-winning hit to score Yoenis Cespedes in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 05: Yoenis Cespedes #52 of the Oakland Athletics hits a single in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game Two of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum on October 5, 2013 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 05: Yoenis Cespedes #52 of the Oakland...

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A's Seth Smith, (15), after his single in the ninth inning, fist bump from coach Ty Waller, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics went on to beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Seth Smith, (15), after his single in the ninth inning, fist...

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A's fans celebrate the walk off win with the bases loaded on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's fans celebrate the walk off win with the bases loaded on...

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A's pitcher Sonny Gray greets teammates after closing the seventh inning, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics went on to beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's pitcher Sonny Gray greets teammates after closing the seventh...

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A's closer Grant Balfour throws in the ninth inning, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics went on to beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's closer Grant Balfour throws in the ninth inning, on Saturday...

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A's Seth Smith, (15) singles in the ninth inning, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics went on to beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Seth Smith, (15) singles in the ninth inning, on Saturday Oct....

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A's starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) gets Detroit's Torii Hunter, (48) to fly out to end the eighth inning, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics went on to beat the Detroit Tigers i1-0 n game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) gets Detroit's Torii Hunter,...

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The A's players cheer on Stephen Vogt before he comes to bat with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

The A's players cheer on Stephen Vogt before he comes to bat with...

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Yoenis Cespedes runs from first to third on a single by Seth Smith in the bottom of the ninth. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Yoenis Cespedes runs from first to third on a single by Seth Smith...

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A's Yoenis Cespedes, (52) scores the winning run on a walk off off a hit by teammate Stephen Vogt, (21) as the Oakland bench empties, on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. at O.co Coliseum, as the Oakland Athletics beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 in game two of the MLB American League Division Series.

Vogt, who had a tremendous at-bat earlier in the evening, albeit an eventual strikeout against Verlander, lined a single to left center off Rick Porcello to give the A's a 1-0 walk-off victory, evening the best-of-five series at one game apiece.

"That's the moment every kid dreams of - I remember being a kid in the front yard with no one else, pretending to get a game-winning hit in the postseason," Vogt said. "I didn't even feel anything going to first base, there were so many emotions. I kind of blacked out for a second."

Vogt got the customary whipped-cream pie and Gatorade shower for his walk-off prowess. "I totally forgot about it, but I've never been so excited," he said of getting what he described as a "gentle" application of food and beverage.

A 23-year-old who looks even younger, Gray allowed only four hits - three of them infield singles - and two walks in eight innings, and he struck out nine.

"Tonight was Sonny Gray Night," Vogt said. "He was matching Verlander zero for zero - he was just outstanding."

"The win goes to Sonny tonight," said closer Grant Balfour, who technically recorded the victory. "He was the man. He was the MVP. He was dialed in, lights out."

Verlander, who almost single-handedly ended the A's postseason last year, was at his very Verlander best, allowing four hits and striking out 11 in seven innings.

Gray and veteran Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter had an interesting exchange in the third inning. Hunter thought that Gray threw a little too far in on the second pitch of the at-bat and gestured toward him and appeared to complain to home-plate umpire C.B. Bucknor. That got the crowd going; chants of "Torii, Torii," echoed around the stadium. Gray responded by striking out Hunter; he K'd the side in the inning. Hunter's next time up, Gray struck him out on three pitches.

"He's the man, even though he's a kid," Vogt said before the game. "Sonny is wise beyond his years when it comes to composure and the way he handles situations. He just stays calm and pitches."

In the fifth, the Tigers had men at the corners with one out, when Gray struck out Austin Jackson (whom he K'd four times on the night) and Vogt threw out Jose Iglesias trying to steal second on a strike-'em-out-throw-'em-out double play.

In the eighth, Don Kelly reached on an infield single and Igelsias moved him over with a sacrifice bunt, but Gray struck out Jackson again and got Hunter to pop up to end the inning.

Oakland didn't break through against Verlander until the fourth inning, when Josh Donaldson rapped a base hit up the middle. Verlander struck out three that inning, though.

The A's got their only really decent chance against Verlander the next inning, when Céspedes and Smith singled to start the inning. Reddick tried to bunt toward Miguel Cabrera at third; Cabrera has limited mobility because of a left side strain. Reddick, however, popped the bunt up, right to Cabrera. Reddick said that he considers himself an elite bunter and that it's a skill he works on daily. "I just got too much of the barrel," he said. Verlander then struck out Vogt and Eric Sogard.

In the seventh, Brandon Moss walked to lead off the inning, and fifth-inning goat Reddick knocked a base hit to right that put Moss at third with two outs; Reddick took second on the throw. Vogt, who'd K'd in each of his first two at-bats, tried valiantly to come through against Verlander, with a 10-pitch at-bat that included seven foul balls, but he finally struck out on a 98 mph fastball from the former Cy Young and MVP winner. Vogt said that at-bat "absolutely" did get him extra pumped up for his final at-bat.